Alta Citizen Blog

Beers to Try Close to Home in Newport News

We know it’s harder to find reasons to leave your home during the winter, but at Alta Citizen, we believe it’s a great time to get out and explore all the breweries nearby. We love all of our local breweries, so instead of doing a ranking, we’ve decided to share some of our all-time favorite breweries in Newport News so that you can see – and taste – them for yourself.

Capstan Bar Brewing Company (CBBC)

Located in Hampton and founded by two brothers, Capstan has been in the brewing business for several years despite only opening their doors in February. Over 20 years ago, Jonathan Connolly won gold at the Great American Beer Festival with his delicious take on a pale ale. Keeping it in the family, he opened a 4,000-square-foot tasting room and brewery with his brother, Adam. Now you can try five delicious flagship beers – a red, a double IPA, a cream ale, a brown, and an oatmeal stout – to go with a rotating lineup of seasonal brews.

Tradition Brewing Co.

Great beer and even better customer experience are waiting for you at Tradition in Newport News. What makes Tradition even more interesting is that they started not only a brewery but a movement. In 2014, the founders were determined to make the city a destination on the Virginia Beer Trail Map. It took them over two years until Newport News changed its ordinances to allow breweries to operate at full capacity, with full operating hours and live music. Here, you are not only enjoying a good beer with friends, but you’re also tasting a little bit of Newport News’ history.

Smartmouth Brewing Co.

Enjoy tasty beer, great atmosphere, and fun events at Smartmouth Brewing. Located in the old post office three blocks away from the Virginia Beach oceanfront, Smartmouth is, as they say on their website, “the ideal pre-beach, post-beach and instead-of-the-beach spot for those looking to enjoy a fresh pint.”

Bull Island

With 14 beers on tap, you’re sure to find one to love at Bull Island Brewing. Besides its delicious seasonal beers and delicious food, the pub also offers board games, ping pong, foosball, cornhole, and trivia. If you’re looking for a place to hang out with friends and have some fun, head to Bull Island, on Settlers Landing Road – and don’t forget to bring your dog. Like Alta Citizen, Bull Island and its crew love dogs.

Hilton Tavern

A family-friendly brewpub with the character of a vintage tavern, Hilton Tavern opened its renovated facility in Newport News in 2016. With more than 20 beers on tap, most of them local, you can enjoy a little bit of everything in this classic building with a modern vibe. There’s no place like Hilton Tavern, where a great atmosphere and the history of the city come together to deliver a one-of-a-kind experience.

As a resident of Alta Citizen, you’ll have tasty restaurants and fun bars within walking distance of your home. Our convenient location puts you exactly where you need to be to enjoy everything Newports News, VA, has to offer. Contact our team today and learn more about our current available apartments.